These top 10 Uttarakhand Travel Destinations include a mix of peaceful hill stations, famous temples, jungle stays, and quiet villages. From Kedarnath and Badrinath to Auli, Nainital, and Jim Corbett—this guide covers both Garhwal and Kumaon sides. It’s written to help you actually plan your trip, not just scroll through photos. You’ll find real travel tips, what to expect, how far things are, and which places are worth your time.
Table of Contents
1. Kedarnath – Jyotirlinga in the Himalayas
Kedarnath is one of the holiest travel destinations in Uttarakhand, especially for spiritual seekers and senior citizens. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas at 11,755 ft, the temple can only be reached by a 16 km trek or helicopter. It opens between May to November, and offers an unmatched spiritual aura backed by snow-capped peaks and pure mountain silence.
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Garhwal
- Best Time: May to June & September to October
- Trek Distance: 16 km from Gaurikund
- Helicopter Access: From Guptkashi, Sersi, Phata
2. Badrinath – Temple Town Surrounded by Snow Mountains
Badrinath, part of Char Dham and Chota Char Dham, lies in Garhwal near the Indo-Tibetan border. This sacred town is set beside the Alaknanda River and opens between May to October. Badrinath Temple, Mana Village, and Vasudhara Falls attract not just pilgrims but also nature lovers and photographers.
- Location: Chamoli district, Garhwal
- Elevation: 10,200 ft
- Best Time: May to June and September to October
- Nearby Spots: Mana Village, Tapt Kund, Vasudhara Falls
- Accessibility: Motorable road till temple gate
3. Nainital – The Classic Lake Town of Kumaon
Nainital is one of the most visited travel destinations in Kumaon. Set around Naini Lake and surrounded by thick pine forests, the town offers boating, shopping, cable car rides, and a relaxed vibe perfect for family holidays. The town is also popular among honeymooners and weekend travelers from Delhi.
- Region: Kumaon
- Best Time: March to June and October
- Must-See: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Mall Road
- Altitude: 6,837 ft
- Ideal Stay: 2 to 3 nights
4. Auli – Winter Snow and Cable Car Rides
Auli is a ski destination in Garhwal that also offers panoramic Himalayan views throughout the year. In winter, the slopes are snow-covered and suitable for beginners and pros alike. In summer, Auli turns into a green meadow with cable car rides from Joshimath and nearby treks like Gorson Bugyal.
- Region: Garhwal, near Joshimath
- Ropeway: 4.5 km ride from Joshimath (₹1,000 approx)
- Altitude: 9,000–10,500 ft
- Best Season: December to March (snow), April to June (views)
- Ideal For: Couples, adventure lovers, and photographers
5. Rishikesh – Yoga Capital Of The World
Rishikesh is both spiritual and adventurous. Located on the banks of the Ganges, this Garhwal town is famous for yoga ashrams, Ganga Aarti, Laxman Jhula, and white water rafting. It is also the starting point for many Uttarakhand tour packages including Char Dham Yatra.
- Region: Garhwal
- Best Season: October to March (pleasant), May–June (rafting)
- Key Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, rafting camps
- Ideal For: Solo travelers, families, spiritual seekers
- Tip: Great for senior citizen-friendly stays with Ganga views
6. Mukteshwar – Offbeat Hill Town
Mukteshwar is a peaceful hill town in Kumaon, popular for its orchard stays, clear Himalayan views, and forest walks. It is less commercial than Nainital but offers better air quality, fewer crowds, and stunning sunrises. Ideal for slow travel, writing retreats, and winter snowfall stays.
- Region: Kumaon (51 km from Nainital)
- Elevation: 7,500 ft
- Best Months: March to June, December (snowfall)
- Top Spots: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Bhalu Gaad waterfall
- Great For: Writers, photographers, and couples
7. Jim Corbett National Park – Wildlife and Jungle Stays
India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett is known for tiger safaris, luxury forest resorts, and bird watching. Located in Kumaon near Ramnagar, it’s easily accessible from Delhi and is a top choice for families and school trips. Jungle safaris are conducted in Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhikala zones.
- Region: Kumaon
- Best Season: November to June
- Safari Charges: ₹6,000–₹8,000 per Jeep (6 pax)
- Zones: Bijrani, Dhikala, Dhela, Jhirna
- Recommended Stay: 2 nights in Dhikuli or Sitabani area
8. Chopta – Mini Switzerland of India
Chopta in Garhwal is famous for its meadows, peaceful forest stays, and the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek. Situated at 8,790 ft, Chopta remains cool in summers and snow-covered in winters. It attracts both pilgrims and trekkers and is a hidden gem for slow tourism and sunrise lovers.
- Region: Garhwal (Ukhimath area)
- Trek: Tungnath (3.5 km), Chandrashila (5 km total)
- Ideal Time: April–June & October
- Nearby Places: Deoriatal Lake, Sari Village, Dugalbitta
- Best For: Short treks, nature lovers, camping
9. Harsil – Apple Orchards, Pine Forests & Ganga Views
Harsil is a peaceful riverside village in Garhwal, known for its apple orchards, deodar forests, and clean Ganga views. It’s often used as a stopover on the way to Gangotri but is a destination in itself if you want calm surroundings and fresh mountain air. Perfect for slow travel, nature walks, and quiet mornings by the river.
- Region: Garhwal
- Altitude: 8,000 ft
- Best Season: April to June and mid-September to October
- Nearby: Gangotri (25 km), Dharali village (2 km)
- Don’t Miss: Harsil apple farms, Bhagirathi riverside, Wilson Cottage ruins
10. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO site in Chamoli, Garhwal, known for its seasonal alpine blooms. Trekkers can also visit Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site nearby. The trek opens between mid-June and September and is suitable for fit seniors, couples, and nature photographers.
- Region: Garhwal (via Govindghat)
- Trek Length: 13–15 km one way
- Opening Time: Mid-June to September
- Permit: Required at Ghangaria
- Altitude: Hemkund Sahib (14,100 ft), Valley (12,000 ft)
Best Snowfall Destinations in Uttarakhand
If you’re hunting for snow this winter, these are the best snowfall destinations in Uttarakhand that actually deliver. Auli is the most reliable — proper snowfall, ski slopes, and cable car views. Chopta gets decent snow too and is great for short treks. Want deep snow and raw Himalayan views? Head to Munsiyari. For relaxed winter trips near Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Kanatal are easy picks. Binsar and Kausani don’t get heavy snow but offer peaceful stays and mountain views. Joshimath stays active in winter and is your base for Auli. And if you want quiet snow without crowds, Khirsu and Harsil are still under the radar. Whether you’re planning a trip in late December or chasing snowfall in Uttarakhand during Jan–Feb, these spots are easy to reach, family-friendly, and genuinely worth it.
Top Snowfall Places in Uttarakhand:
• Auli – Guaranteed snow, skiing, and ropeway views
• Chopta – Light snow, forest treks to Tungnath
• Munsiyari – Deep snow and Panchachuli views
• Dhanaulti – Peaceful, forested hill station with light snow
• Kanatal – Scenic winter stays near Mussoorie
• Binsar – Oak forests and views of Nanda Devi
• Kausani – Trishul peak views and peaceful winter vibes
• Joshimath – Base for Auli, gets light snow
• Khirsu – Quiet snow village with pine trees
• Harsil – Underrated snowy escape on the way to Gangotri
Why Travel Vaidya for Uttarakhand Tours?
At Travel Vaidya, we specialize in private, senior-friendly Uttarakhand tours backed by 8+ years of local expertise. From Kedarnath helicopter tours to custom Auli stays and Jim Corbett safaris—we manage hotels, permits, transport, and local support end-to-end.
- Trusted travel agency based in Dehradun
- Special focus on senior citizens & families
- Own fleet of vehicles, handpicked hotels
- Char Dham, Kumaon, and Garhwal packages
- Call/WhatsApp: 9990383938 for customized Tours
